This week’s plant choice is the Nepenthes “Monkey Cup” Plant…
There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about having plants inside your home. I love the look of plants tucked into the corners of a room, displayed on coffee tables and kitchen counters, and gracing bathroom vanities.
Plants help a room feel grounded.
I especially love unique plants. Plants that act as conversation starters, and not something you see everywhere you go.
I’m always on the look-out for unique plants, and with this new series on my blog, I’ll share my latest finds with you. Here’s the latest find…
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Nepenthes “Monkey Cup”
This is such a cool and unusual plant – and it’s carnivorous!
About the Plant
The Nepenthes “Monkey Cup” plant is a carnivorous pitcher plant. It’s called “monkey cup” because in the wild, monkeys will drink the fluid that’s in the pitchers of the plant.
This tropical plant is native to parts of Southeast Asia, Australia, Madagascar, and India.
Insects are attracted to the nectar that forms in the pitchers. The nectar lines the pitcher, making it slippery so the insects fall into the digestive fluid at the bottom of the pitcher. The plant then absorbs the nutrients from this insect-filled fluid.
The pitchers on this plant grow at the end of the leaves, and hang from the plant. It’s a very interesting look!
The best lighting for this plant is bright indirect light – it does not like direct sun.
Make sure to keep the Monkey Cup plant’s soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Do not let the plant dry out completely. This plant prefers water free of minerals. You may need to add water to the pitchers if they dry out. Simply add 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water to the pitchers when dry. This plant also likes humid conditions. If the air is too dry, the plant will stop growing pitchers. This plant grows well in bathrooms or other humid locations. You can also put the plant in a terrarium or greenhouse – providing insects can get in, and that there is good air circulation.
Since this plant is a carnivorous plant, you’ll want to make sure to place it in an area where there are insects – it is an avid feeder! If the plant doesn’t catch insects for a long time, you can place a fly or other small insect into the mature pitchers. Stink Bugs are a favorite insect for this plant.
If you live in an area where it’s humid outside in the Summer, place this plant in the shade outside – it will love the insects and the humidity!
The Monkey Cup plant is a vining plant, so make sure to provide support for the vines to grow.
Why I Love It
I really love the unusual look of this plant! The way the pitchers hang from the leaves is interesting and makes this a focal plant in any collection.
Where to Buy
I got my Nepenthes “Monkey Cup” plant from California Tropicals on Etsy for $25.99 plus shipping in a 6″ pot.
If you have more suggestions for unique or unusual plants, please leave a comment below.
2 Comments on “[House Plant]: Monkey Cup Plant – Unique and Unusual Indoor Plants for Your Home Decor”